Fragrance control

ABSTRACT

Fragrance control is provided by articles of manufacture including various fragrancing objects, methods of using such objects, and systems that employ one or more such objects. The fragrancing object can be easy to manufacture, long lasting, provide fragrance that is consistently released over time, provide an indication to the user that the object needs to be replaced, and can hold a desired ratio of fragrance. The fragrancing object can include a first material comprising a polyether block amide, a second material comprising a polyolefin elastomer (POE), and a fragrance component such as a fragrance oil.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/700,926, filed on Sep. 14, 2012. The entiredisclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present technology relates to articles of manufacture, systems, andprocesses for fragrance control of one or more various environments. Inparticular, fragrance control can be employed in an environment, such asa lavatory environment, in order to provide a pleasant fragrance and/orto neutralize or reduce the impact of one or more unpleasant odors.

INTRODUCTION

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

It is often desirable to control the fragrance of certain environments,either to provide a particular fragrance as part of a particularexperience or brand identity, for example, or to neutralize or reducethe impact of an unpleasant odor that may be encountered in theparticular environment. Both residential and commercial spaces can oftenbenefit from some type of fragrance control. As one example, fragrancecontrol within a lavatory can provide a user with a more pleasantexperience and can complement other aspects and perceptions of theenvironment, such as general cleanliness.

Various fragrancing objects are commonly used to mask or eliminateundesirable odors and emit a preferable scent. Many types of fragrancingobjects are available, including those having liquid fragrances orfragrance oils, or plastic objects coated in a fragrance. Fragrancingobjects may operate in various ways, including plug-in or spraymechanisms, and may emit or evaporate a fragrance over time. As anon-limiting example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2011/0296597 to Brown et al. discloses an air freshening article thatincludes a body that is formed from a fragranced plastic. The entiredisclosure of the above-mentioned patent application is herebyincorporated by reference.

Some ways of providing environmental fragrance control exhibit variousshortcomings. For example, some fragrancing objects are not capable ofholding a desired amount or ratio of a fragrancing component, such as afragrance oil, in comparison to other materials included in thefragrancing object, and may not be easy to manufacture or provide thedesired performance. Some fragrancing objects do not provide an optimalrelease of fragrance over a long period of time and do not provide scentcoverage throughout an environment.

It would be desirable to provide fragrance control including a solidstate fragrancing object that is easy to manufacture, long lasting,provides fragrance that is consistently released over time, provideseffective scent coverage of an environment, and that provides holds adesired amount or ratio of a fragrant material.

SUMMARY

The present technology includes articles of manufacture, systems, andprocesses for environmental fragrance control that use a solid statefragrancing object that is easy to manufacture, is long lasting,provides fragrance that is consistently released over time, and holds adesired amount of fragrance.

In some embodiments, a method of fragrance control for an environment isprovided, where the method includes determining parameters of theenvironment, mapping at least one fragrance zone for the environmentbased on the parameters, and outputting a number and a location of themapped fragrance zones. The parameters include a size of the environmentand a number of fixtures in the environment. The at least one fragrancezone is defined by a position of at least one solid state fragrancingobject within the environment, each solid state fragrancing objectincluding a fragrancing component. The at least one fragrance zone isconfigured to include one or more of the fixtures.

In certain embodiments, a method of fragrance control for an environmentincludes determining parameters of the environment, where the parametersinclude a size of the environment and a number of fixtures in theenvironment. At least one fragrance zone is mapped for the environmentbased on the parameters of the environment with the fragrance zonedefined by a position of at least one solid state fragrancing objectwithin the environment. Each solid state fragrancing object includes afragrancing component. The at least one fragrance zone is alsoconfigured to include one or more of the fixtures. A number and alocation of the mapped fragrance zones are then provided as output. Oneor more solid state fragrancing objects are packaged based on the numberand the location of the mapped fragrance zones and the one or more solidstate fragrancing objects are shipped.

In various embodiments, a method of fragrance control for an environmentcomprises determining parameters of the environment, mapping a pluralityof fragrance zones for the environment based on the parameters of theenvironment, and outputting a number and a location of the mappedfragrance zones. The parameters include a size of the environment and anumber of fixtures in the environment. The plurality of fragrance zonesis defined by a position of a plurality of solid state fragrancingobjects within the environment. Each solid state fragrancing objectincludes a fragrancing component and each fragrance zone is configuredto include one or more fixtures. A number and a location of the mappedfragrance zones are provided as output.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. The description and specific examples in this summaryare intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1A depicts a first embodiment of a solid state fragrancing objectincluding a solid material and a mount

FIG. 1B depicts the first embodiment of the solid state fragrancingobject including the solid material positioned to engage the mount.

FIG. 1C depicts the first embodiment of the solid state fragrancingobject showing the solid material coupled to the mount.

FIG. 2A depicts a second embodiment of a solid state fragrancing object,where including a solid material and a mount.

FIG. 2B depicts the second embodiment of the solid state fragrancingobject showing the solid material coupled to the mount.

FIG. 2C depicts an end view of the second embodiment of the solid statefragrancing object with the solid material coupled to the mount.

FIG. 3A depicts a third embodiment of a solid state fragrancing object,including a solid material and a mount.

FIG. 3B depicts the third embodiment of the solid state fragrancingobject including the solid material positioned to engage the mount.

FIG. 3C depicts the third embodiment of the solid state fragrancingobject showing the solid material coupled to the mount.

FIG. 4A depicts a fourth embodiment of a solid state fragrancing object,showing a solid material positioned within a dispenser in an enclosedposition along a mount for receiving the dispenser.

FIG. 4B depicts the fourth embodiment of the solid state fragrancingobject with the dispenser received by the mount where the solid materialis in an exposed position.

FIG. 4C depicts the fourth embodiment of the solid state fragrancingobject with the solid material configured as a honeycomb shaped screen.

FIG. 5A depicts an exploded view of a fifth embodiment of a solid statefragrancing object including a solid material placed within an enclosurehaving an aperture.

FIG. 5B depicts a front view of the fifth embodiment of the solid statefragrancing object.

FIG. 5C depicts a side view of the fifth embodiment of the solid statefragrancing object.

FIG. 5D depicts an exploded view of the fifth embodiment of the solidstate fragrancing object including a fan.

FIG. 6 depicts a sixth embodiment of a solid state fragrancing object.

FIG. 7 depicts an interface for a parameter inquiry relating to a methodof fragrance control for an environment.

FIG. 8 depicts the interface of FIG. 7 with several of the parametersselected.

FIG. 9 depicts the output of a number and a location of the mappedfragrance zones resulting from the parameters selected in FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature ofthe subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more inventions, andis not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specificinvention claimed in this application or in such other applications asmay be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuingtherefrom. Regarding the methods disclosed, the order of the stepspresented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps canbe different in various embodiments. Except in the examples, or whereotherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in thisdescription indicating amounts of material or conditions of reactionand/or use are to be understood as modified by the word “about” indescribing the broadest scope of the technology.

The present technology relates to a holistic approach to providing aproper fragrance control strategy for an environment or facility. Inparticular, a method of fragrance control for an environment is providedwhere parameters of the environment are determined. Such parametersinclude a size of the environment and a number of fixtures in theenvironment. At least one fragrance zone is mapped for the environmentbased on the parameters of the environment. The at least one fragrancezone is defined by a position of at least one solid state fragrancingobject within the environment, where each solid state fragrancing objectincludes a fragrancing component. The at least one fragrance zone isconfigured to include one or more of the fixtures. A number and alocation of the mapped fragrance zones are provided as output of themethod.

The fragrance control methods described herein provide guide the designand deployment of solid state fragrancing objects with respect to thesize of the environment and a number of various fixtures within theenvironment. For example, a building manager or custodial managementservice can determine where and how to deploy the most effectivefragrance control tools and improve odor management. The methods employvarious solid state fragrancing objects. The solid state fragrancingobjects described herein are easy to manufacture, long lasting, andprovide fragrance that is consistently released over time, and hold adesired amount of fragrance. In particular, such fragrancing objectsinclude one or more fragrance components that are released orvolatilized over time to provide an environment with a desired fragranceto control the odor experienced in the environment.

In some embodiments, the solid state fragrancing object comprises asolid material where the solid material includes the fragrancingcomponent. The solid material has a substantially constantcross-sectional area in a longitudinal dimension. For example, thelongitudinal dimension of the solid material can represent a lengthwhere a transverse dimension substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal dimension can represent a height or a width of the solidmaterial. In certain embodiments, the substantially constantcross-sectional area can relate to the shape of an extruder die or headused to form the solid material. The solid material has a surface areato volume ratio from about 0.5:1 to about 50:1. The surface area tovolume ratio is the amount of surface area per unit volume of the solidmaterial. The ratios provided herein are denoted as surface area:volume,but can also be written as (surface area)/(volume) or as a numericalvalue having units of inverse distance, where the distance (d) can bemeters, inches, etc. I.e., about 0.5:1 to about 50:1 can be written asabout 0.5 d⁻¹ to about 50 d⁻¹.

In various embodiments, the fragrancing object can be configured to havea certain surface area to volume ratio and can also be configured tohave a certain surface area to environment volume ratio. As one example,the fragrancing object can provide a particular surface area to volumeratio, where the ratio is tailored to particular applications. In somecases, the fragrancing object can be configured with a greater surfacearea for a fixed volume to increase the transmission rate of thefragrance component out of the fragrancing object to the atmosphere;e.g., the fragrancing object can configured as a porous material orscreen. In other cases, the fragrancing object can be configured with areduced surface area for a given volume to reduce the transmission rateof the fragrance component out of the fragrancing object to theatmosphere; e.g., the fragrancing object can be configured as a solidshape, such as a puck or sphere. As another example, the fragrancingobject can have a surface area to environment volume ratio to provide acertain transmission rate or amount of the fragrance component peratmosphere volume. In certain cases, a square inch of fragranced surfacearea to environmental cubic foot volume ratio range can be about 0.01 toabout 0.1.

The solid material of the fragrancing object includes the fragrancecomponent, such as a fragrance oil. Fragrance oils, also known as aroma,aromatic, and flavor oils, include single or blended synthetic compoundsand/or natural essential oils. The fragrance oil can be diluted with acarrier oil or other solvent, such as various vegetable oils, mineraloil, or propylene glycol. Examples of various fragrance oils includeorange, Mentha arvensis, peppermint, cedarwood, lemon, Eucalyptusglobulus, Litsea cubeba, clove (leaf), and spearmint. The fragrancecomponent can be loaded into the solid material in various amounts. Forexample, in some embodiments the solid material can include at leastabout 20% by weight of the fragrancing component and in otherembodiments the solid material can include at least about 25% by weightof the fragrancing component.

Various loadings of the fragrancing component can provide for apersistent and perceptible fragrance over a given period of time. Forexample, in some embodiments the fragrancing component can beperceptible for at least about 30 days within an environment of 800cubic feet surrounding the solid state fragrancing object, and in otherembodiments the fragrancing component can be perceptible for at leastabout 60 days within an environment of 800 cubic feet surrounding thesolid state fragrancing object. By perceptible, it is meant that atleast 50% of people on a test panel can detect the odor. For example,the environment containing the solid state fragrancing object and anenvironment without the solid state fragrancing object (as a reference)are presented to a group of panelists. In comparing the fragrancepresent in each environment, the panelists are asked to report if theycan detect a difference between the environments. The test andperceptions by the panelists can be repeated as necessary to affordstatistical relevance.

In addition to the fragrancing component, the solid material cancomprise one or more various materials that are substantially solid atroom temperature and maintain a substantially solid form when admixedwith a fragrancing component, such as a liquid fragrancing oil. In thisway, the solid state fragrancing object remains substantially solid andable to retain its shape when deployed within an environment. Suitablematerials include various polymeric materials and porous materials thatcan absorb the fragrancing component to thereby limit or control therate at which the fragrancing component is emitted from the solid statefragrancing object.

In certain embodiments, the solid material can include a thermoplasticelastomer comprising a polyether block amide (PEBA). The PEBA can beobtained by polycondensation of a carboxylic acid polyamide with analcohol termination polyether to provide a block copolymer with asequence of polyamide and polyether segments. The block copolymerincludes linear chains of relatively rigid polyamide and relatively softpolyether segments. Absorption and controlled release of volatilemolecules (e.g., fragrancing components, fragrancing oils) can occurthrough the polyether phase of the material. The PEBA generally exhibitsa good resistance to chemicals and some solvents. One source of asuitable polyether block amide includes PEBAX™ polyether block amidesfrom Arkema Inc. (King of Prussia, Pa.), The PEBA can provide improvedabsorption and improved release of the fragrance component in comparisonto other materials.

In some embodiments, the solid material can include a polyolefinelastomer (POE). Examples of suitable polyolefin elastomers includepolyisobutylene (PIB), ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), ethylenepropylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber (EPDM rubber). Other examplesinclude various copolymers of ethylene and another alpha-olefin, such asbutene or octene; e.g., copolymers of ethylene-butene orethylene-octene. POEs can be produced in various ways, including use ofa metallocene catalyst, as is known in the art. Various POEs can beproduced using monomer components of propylene, ethylene, butene, octeneand/or hexene. Two examples of suitable polyolefin elastomers arePolyolefin Elastomer 999 Offgrade (an ethene-1-octene copolymer) andENGAGE™ 8411 polyolefin elastomer (an ethylene-octene elastomer), bothfrom Dow Chemical Co. (Midland, Mich.).

In various embodiments, the solid material can include both a polyetherblock amide (PEBA) and a polyolefin elastomer (POE). The PEBA can becombined with the POE in amounts ranging from about 1% by weight PEBAwith about 99% by weight POE to about 99% by weight PEBA with about 1%by weight POE. Certain embodiments of the solid material include wherethe PEBA makes up at least 10% of the solid material, the POE makes upto at least 40% of the solid material, and the fragrancing componentmakes up to at least 15% of the solid material. In various embodiments,the balance of the solid material can comprise the PEBA, the POE, thefragrance component, and/or an additional material or additive. Theadditional material or additive can comprise a polymeric material or canbe a nonpolymeric material. For example, the solid material can includeat least one additive, such as an odor neutralizer, a sequesterant, acounteractant, an enzyme, and a colorant.

The solid state fragrancing object can be formed in various shapes andsizes. The fragrancing object may include one or more separate piecesthat are assembled together and/or the fragrancing object may beassembled with other materials or coupled to other components ormaterials. For example, the fragrancing object can be coupled to aholder or mount that is affixed to a wall, ceiling, floor, or someobject within the environment. In some embodiments, the solid statefragrancing object can take the form of a rod, tube, blade, clip-onfragrance tube, slide-in fragrance blade, disk, cartridge, signage, kickplate, ornamental object, maintenance aid such as a moppable floor mator dispenser mat, air vent or portion of an air vent, screen, a drainscreen, urinal screen, or various air freshener shapes.

The solid state fragrancing object can also have an adhesive on aportion of the solid material, where the adhesive is operable to couplethe solid state fragrancing object to a surface. For example, thefragrancing object can be in the form of a sheet, strip, panel, signage,or decal with adhesive on one side. The adhesive can be in the form ofan adhesive backing that allows for peal-and-stick applications of thefragrancing device. The fragrancing object can take the form of signageor display a logo, and can be formed in different sizes. The fragrancingobject can be located throughout an environment, where it can be affixedto fixtures, walls, and various objects, including waste receptacles,change tables, urinal mats, stalls, etc. Presence of the fragrancingobject can provide fragrancing control and can also identify to anobserver that a fragrance control system is being used in theenvironment.

With reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, a first embodiment of a solidstate fragrancing object 100 is shown. The fragrancing object 100includes a solid material 110 that contains the fragrancing component.As can be seen, the solid material 110 has a substantially constantcross-sectional area in a longitudinal dimension 120. The surface areato volume ratio of the solid material 110 lies between about 0.5:1 toabout 50:1. An interior portion 130 of the solid material 110 is hollow.The solid material 110 has a recess 140 running in the longitudinaldimension 120 that can be used to couple and receive a mount 150. Themount 150 can be coupled to a wall or other structure in an environmentso that the solid material 110 can be easily replaced when thefragrancing component is diminished and no longer adequate. FIG. 1Ashows the solid material 110 separated from the mount 150. FIG. 1B showsthe solid material 110 positioned to slide the mount 150 into the recess140. FIG. 1C shows the solid material 110 coupled to the mount 150. Themount 150 allows mounting the solid material 110 such that air cancirculate all around and through the solid material 110 so thatfragrance is dispensed from the inside and the outside.

As depicted in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, the solid material 110 has atube-like shape having a transverse dimension 160 that is less than thelongitudinal dimension 120. The solid material 110 is also formed with aplurality of protuberances 170 that run in the longitudinal dimension120 and increase the surface area of the solid material 110. Theprotuberances 170 shown are formed as ribs or Quonset but shapedstructures; however, the protuberances 170 can be formed in variousother shapes and can project radially further from a remainder of thesolid material 110 or project radially less from the remainder of thesolid material than shown. The solid material 110 depicted in FIGS. 1A,1B, and 1C also includes protuberances 170 projecting into the hollowinterior portion 130. It should be noted that air can flow through thehollow interior portion 130 using the open ends of the solid material110 and that the hollow interior portion 130 contributes to the overallsurface area of the solid material 110.

The solid state fragrancing object, such as the fragrancing object 100shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, can also be used without the mount 150.In this case, the solid material 110 can be snapped onto or clipped ontoa structure directly. For example, the recess 140 can allow the solidmaterial 110 to be slipped over a length of pipe under a sink orsnapped/clipped onto an edge or lip of a toilet door or stall, or ontourinal divider, in a lavatory environment.

With reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, a second embodiment of a solidstate fragrancing object 200 is shown. The fragrancing object 200includes a solid material 210 that contains the fragrancing component.The solid material 210 has a substantially constant cross-sectional areain a longitudinal dimension 220. The surface area to volume ratio of thesolid material 210 lies between about 0.5:1 to about 50:1. A base 230forms one portion of the solid material 210 and a blade 240 formsanother portion of the solid material 210, where the base 230 and theblade 240 run in the longitudinal dimension 220 and the blade 240extends laterally outwardly from the base 230. As shown, the blade 240comprises a greater portion of the solid material 210 than the base 230.In this way, the blade 240 provides a surface area exposed to theenvironment to release the fragrancing component. However, in otherembodiments the blade 240 can comprise an equal or lesser portion of thesolid material 210 than the base (not shown). The base 230 couples thesolid material 210 to a mount 250 by sliding the base 230 into the mount250. The mount 250 can be coupled to a wall or other structure in anenvironment so that the solid material 210 can be easily replaced whenthe fragrancing component is diminished and no longer adequate. FIG. 2Ashows the solid material 210 separated from the mount 250. FIG. 2B showsthe solid material 210 coupled to the mount 250, where the base 230 isslid into the mount 250. FIG. 2C shows an end view of the solid material210 coupled to the mount 250, with the base 230 within the mount 250 andthe blade 240 projecting from the mount 250.

In some embodiments, the fragrancing objects 100, 200 shown in FIGS. 1A,1B, and 1C, 2A, 2B, and 2C can be coupled to various fixtures orportions of pre-existing features in particular environments andconfigured in a conspicuous fashion or in an inconspicuous fashion. Thefragrancing objects 100, 200 can be coupled to standard plumbingfixtures, counters, cabinetry, lavatory stalls and doors, air vents,etc. Where the fragrancing objects 100, 200 are used in a conspicuousmanner, the fragrancing objects 100, 200 can be designed in variousaesthetic shapes, colors, and textures that can be readily seen withinthe environment. Conspicuous fragrancing objects 100, 200 can thereforebe part of the decor or a decor theme or can match or provide accents tothe decor. Where the fragrancing objects 100, 200 are used in aninconspicuous manner, the fragrancing objects 100, 200 can be designedin various shapes, colors, and textures to blend into the environment.Discretely installing the fragrancing objects 100, 200 can preventinterference with the aesthetics of an environment and can minimize theincidence of vandalism or theft. Discrete shapes and colors can also beused where the fragrancing object 100, 200 matches or blends in with theenvironment location to which it is coupled. The fragrancing object 100,200 can be configured for use in a stealth fashion to minimizeconspicuousness by using darker or environment-matching colors, couplingthe fragrancing object 100, 200 to preexisting fixtures or objects tomake the fragrancing object 100, 200 appear to be part of thepreexisting fixture or object, and/or by using the fragrancing object100, 200 in place of preexisting objects. For example, inconspicuousfragrancing objects 100, 200 can be placed on the bottom of lavatorystalls, urinal dividers, as kick plates on doors, or used as signage.

In various embodiments, the present technology provides systems forfragrance control of an environment. A system can include a plurality ofsolid state fragrancing objects, with each fragrancing object comprisinga solid material that includes a fragrancing component. Each solidmaterial can have a substantially constant cross-sectional area in alongitudinal dimension and a surface area to volume ratio of about 0.5:1to about 50:1. The plurality of fragrancing objects is arranged in theenvironment to provide fragrance substantially throughout theenvironment. For example, the system can employ fragrancing objects 100,200 as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B, and 2C and/or otherfragrancing objects as described herein. The individual fragrancingobjects can each include a fragrancing component that is perceptible forat least about 30 days or at least about 60 days within an environmentof 800 cubic feet surrounding the solid state fragrancing object. Inthis way, the fragrancing objects of the system can be deployedthroughout the environment so that perceptible fragrance zonessubstantially overlap or nearly overlap. The system can thereforeminimize space in the environment where the various fragrancingcomponents are not perceptible and can provide a substantially constantfragrance experience as one moves through the environment. Thefragrancing components in the various fragrancing objects can be thesame or different, such that the system can be tailored to provide acontinuous fragrance or different regional fragrances within theenvironment.

The plurality of fragrancing objects employed in the system can includemany forms, including the various fragrancing objects described herein.For example, in certain embodiments at least one of the solid statefragrancing objects can be configured as a sign, configured as a kickplate on a door, coupled to a toilet divider or urinal divider, coupledto a toilet door, coupled to an air vent, or coupled to a pipe. The oneor more of the fragrancing objects can also be conspicuously displayedin the environment and/or inconspicuously displayed in the environment.For example, one fragrancing object in the system can be configured as aconspicuous wall sconce in a lavatory, while another fragrancing objectis inconspicuously placed alongside the bottom edge of a lavatory stallor urinal divider. Several fragrancing objects can be used together andformed in various shapes, designs, and colors to provide a scent designtheme. For example, a fragrance control system can include a pluralityof fragrancing objects displayed in an environment that have a naturaltheme (e.g., bamboo, leaves, etc.), identifiable object theme (e.g.,bubbles), or abstract themes. Combinations of various themes can also beused.

In some embodiments, the solid state fragrancing object can be formed byextrusion, where a material and a fragrancing component are extruded toform a solid material, the solid material including the fragrancingcomponent. The extrusion process results in the solid material having asubstantially constant cross-sectional area in a longitudinal dimensionand a surface area to volume ratio of about 0.5:1 to about 50:1. Forexample, an extruder with various dies or extruder heads can be employedto provide various cross-sectional shapes to the resulting solidmaterial. The material and the fragrancing component may be in a liquid,semi-liquid, gel, or paste-like phase when present in the extruder, butbecome necessarily solid following extrusion to form the solid material.In particular, the material and the fragrancing component can be mixedin the extruder followed by extruding the material and the fragrancingcomponent to form the solid material including the fragrancingcomponent. The mixing can include melt-mixing the material and thefragrancing component in the extruder.

Extrusion can allow loading of the fragrancing component into theresulting solid material at levels that cannot be achieved using othermeans. For example, the extrusion process can provide a solid materialthat includes at least about 20% by weight of the fragrancing component.In some cases, the extrusion process can provide a solid material thatincludes at least about 25% by weight of the fragrancing component.Improved loading of the fragrancing component can be furthered byperforming the extrusion process below X degrees Centigrade. In thisway, loss of volatile fragrancing oils used as the fragrancing componentcan be minimized.

As a further example, the solid state fragrancing object can be formedas follows. A material comprising a polyether block amide and apolyolefin elastomer can be used with a fragrancing component. Forexample, the polyether block amide and a fragrance oil (as thefragrancing component) can be tumbled together in a drum without theaddition of heat. The polyolefin elastomer is then added along with anyadditives, such as a colorant. The mixture of the material (i.e., thepolyether block amide and polyolefin elastomer) and the fragrancingcomponent can then be extruded, as described above.

Alternatively, the material and the fragrancing component can beprocessed by other means, such as blending, pre-molding, molding,forming, and various post-forming processes. Various molding methods canbe used including injection molding, blow molding, rotational molding,and extrusion molding. Alternatively, different parts of the variousmaterials and components can be mixed and molded in a batch process orin a continuous process using an extruder, for example. Examples of postforming processes include die cutting, shaping, trimming, bending,braiding, weaving, of the resulting solid material.

With reference now to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, a third embodiment of asolid state fragrancing object 300 is shown. The fragrancing object 300includes a solid material 310 that contains the fragrancing componentand an aperture 320 configured to couple to a mount 330. A surface areato volume ratio of the solid material 310 lies between about 0.5:1 toabout 50:1. The solid material 310 depicted is substantiallydisk-shaped; however, other shapes and dimensions can be used. The mount330 includes a projection 340 that can be coupled to the aperture 320 ofthe solid material 310. The projection 340 can be configured to providean airspace 350 between the solid material 310 and a remainder of themount 330. In this way, the solid material 310 can also emit thefragrance component from the side facing the mount 330. Like otherfragrancing objects described herein, the third embodiment of thefragrancing object 300 can be formed, colored, and/or positioned withinan environment for conspicuous applications or for inconspicuousapplications. It is understood that protrusions or other surfaceirregularities can by used to increase the surface area to volume ratioas previously described hereinabove.

With reference to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, a fourth embodiment of a solidstate fragrancing object 400 is shown. The fragrancing object 400includes a solid material 410 and a dispenser 420, where the solidmaterial 410 includes a fragrancing component. The solid material 410 isslidably disposed within the dispenser 420 and operable to move betweenan enclosed position (shown in FIG. 4A) and an exposed position (shownin FIG 4B). The solid material 410 has a surface area to volume ratiofrom about 0.5:1 to about 50:1. The dispenser 420 can be coupled to amount 430 that can be affixed to a surface, such as a wall. As shown,the dispenser 420 containing the solid material 410 can be configured asa cartridge that is loaded into the mount 430, where the dispenser 420holds a plurality of solid materials slidably disposed therein. Theindividual solid materials 410 can be extended or enclosed as desired.

For example, a new solid material 410 can be extended when thefragrancing component of a previously extended solid material 410 is nolonger effective at providing fragrancing control. Likewise, one of thesolid materials 410 can include a fragrancing component that isdifferent from another of the solid materials 410. This can allow thefragrancing provided by the fragrancing object 400 to be changed orcustomized as desired. The solid material 410 in FIGS. 4A, 4B, AND 4C isdepicted as a screen, in particular, a honeycomb screen. The screenshape can optimize airflow through the solid material 410 in order torelease the fragrancing component. However, other shapes and forms ofthe solid material 410 can be employed. The various solid materials 410in the plurality of solid materials 410 can be individually wrapped orsealed when enclosed by the dispenser 420. In this way, the fragrancingcomponent of the solid material(s) 410 not in use can be preserved. Asexamples, the solid materials 410 can be exposed by peeling off anadhesive strip or wrapper, and/or the dispenser 420 may have a gasket orseal that protects the solid material 410 from exposure to theenvironment when enclosed.

With reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D, a fifth embodiment of asolid state fragrancing object 500 is shown. The fragrancing object 500includes a solid material 510 and an enclosure 520. As shown, theenclosure 520 comprises two pieces, a transparent or translucent faceplate 530 and an opaque back 540. The solid material 510 includes afragrancing component and the enclosure 520 encloses the solid material510. The enclosure 520 includes an aperture 550 configured to expose aportion of the solid material 510. The solid material 510 has a surfacearea to volume ratio from about 0.5:1 to about 50:1. The solid material510 can be configured to move within the enclosure 520 to change theportion of the solid material exposed in the aperture 550. For example,as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D the solid material 510 can becoupled to a projection 560 on the back 540 of the enclosure 520 so thatthe solid material 510 can be rotated to change the portion of the solidmaterial 510 within the aperture 550. The projection 560 may be coupledto a motor 570 operable to change the portion of the solid material 510that is exposed in the aperture 550. The motor 570, for example, canrotate the solid material 510 at a rate tailored to provide a continuedrelease of the fragrancing component from the solid material 510 bycontinuously or periodically changing the portion of the solid material510 in the aperture 550. Furthermore, a fan 580 can be included that isoperable to move air across the portion of the solid material 510 thatis exposed in the aperture 550, thereby facilitating release of thefragrancing component from the solid material 510. The fan 580 can becontinuously operated, timed to operate at desired intervals, or linkedto an actuator, such as a motion sensor or light switch. Operation ofthe motor 570 and the fan 580 can also be coordinated.

As shown, the solid material 510 is in the form of a disk, but othershapes and configurations are possible. The disk-shaped solid material510 can be marked with an indicator 590 to identify when replacement isnecessary. For example, the indicator 590 can mark when the disk-shapedsolid material 510 has rotated a certain distance about the projection560. In some instances, the indicator 590 can include a stop thatphysically prevents the disk-shaped solid material 510 from furtherrotation. For example, the indicator 590 stop can interact with theenclosure 520. The disk-shaped solid material 510 can be in the form ofa screen having a honeycomb structure to allow air to circulate throughthe disk, as depicted in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D.

With reference now to FIG. 6, a sixth embodiment of a solid statefragrancing object 600 is shown. The fragrancing object 600 isconfigured as a urinal screen 610 that is sized and shaped to cover atleast a portion of a urinal drain. The urinal screen 610 is formed of asolid material having a fragrancing component using the various solidmaterials and fragrancing components as described herein. The urinalscreen 610 includes a plurality of apertures 620, where the apertures620 can vary in size, shape, and frequency across the urinal screen 610.A pick-up loop 630 can be formed therein or added to the urinal screen610 to facilitate installation and removal of the screen 610. Asdescribed herein, the urinal screen 610 comprising the solid materialand fragrancing component can be formed by extruding a material and afragrancing component to form an extruded sheet of solid material. Theextruded sheet of solid material can then be die cut or stamped to formthe plurality of apertures 620.

The various fragrancing objects described herein can be formed invarious colors and can be multicolored. In certain cases, solid colorsor translucent colors can be used. Different colors used in combinationwith different mounting options and different holders or mounts asdescribed herein allow mixing and matching of various colors and providefor an easy change from a less conspicuous stealth display offragrancing objects to a more conspicuous and brighter display or viceversa. Likewise, design themes and scents of fragrancing componentswithin an environment can be readily replenished or changed altogether.The various fragrancing objects described herein can also incorporateDeoEssence™ olfactory disruption technology by Arylessence, Inc.(Marietta, Ga.).

One or more of the aforementioned solid state fragrancing objects can beused in various methods of controlling fragrance for an environment. Inparticular, each fragrancing object can provide a fragrance zone aroundthe fragrance object, where the fragrance zone is an area providing aperceptible amount of the fragrancing component. Fragrance zones of oneor more fragrancing objects can therefore map out one or more areas inthe environment that cover certain fixtures in the environment, ensuringthat a person using the fixture is within the fragrance zone and has aperceptible encounter with the fragrancing component.

The method can begin by determining parameters of the environment wherethe parameters include a size of the environment and a number offixtures in the environment. At least one fragrance zone is then mappedfor the environment based on the parameters of the environment with thefragrance zone defined by a position of at least one solid statefragrancing object within the environment. As described herein, eachsolid state fragrancing object includes a fragrancing component. Thefragrance zone is configured to include one or more of the fixtures. Asa result, the method then outputs a number and a location of the mappedfragrance zones for the environment.

The method of fragrance control for an environment can further includevarious aspects. In one embodiment, the method can further includedeploying one or more solid state fragrancing objects in the environmentbased on the number and the location of the mapped fragrance zones. Forexample, the fragrancing objects can be arranged within the environmentto provide fragrance zones that substantially cover the size of theenvironment. The fragrancing zones can substantially overlap to prevent“dead space” where there is no perceptible fragrance component withinthe environment. The fragrancing zones can also cover all the fixturesin the environment so that a user of any fixture encounters aperceptible fragrance component of one or more of the fragrancingobjects. A variety of fragrancing objects can be employed that caninclude a variety of fragrancing components. For example, certainfragrancing components can be associated with certain fixtures.

Other aspects include where the method of fragrance control includespackaging one or more solid state fragrancing objects based on thenumber and the location of the mapped fragrance zones. In this way, themethod can provide a package or set of fragrancing objects that can beused to outfit the environment and provide the mapped fragrance zones orthe method can provide a package or set of fragrancing objects forreplenishing an existing fragrancing system in the environment. Similarto the packaging, the method can further include shipping one or moresolid state fragrancing objects based on the number and the location ofthe mapped fragrance zones. The method can therefore be used to order apackage or set of fragrancing objects that is customized to theparticular parameters of the environment. A user employing the methodcan therefore tailor a fragrancing object or system of fragrancingobjects for an environment based on particular parameters for thatenvironment. The method can also include purchasing one or more solidstate fragrancing objects based on the number and the location of themapped fragrance zones. The purchasing can also be used in conjunctionwith the packaging and/or the shipping of the one or more solid statefragrancing objects based on the number and the location of the mappedfragrance zones.

Various fixtures can be included in the present methods. As one example,the number of fixtures can include a number of commodes so that themapping overlaps at least one fragrance zone with the location of atleast one commode in the environment. The number of commodes can includeone commode to several commodes and the fragrance zones can include onefragrance zone encompassing the one commode or all commodes, or therecan be multiple fragrance zones, where each fragrance zone covers one ormore commodes. Other fixtures include one or more of the following:urinals, hand dryers, waste containers, baby changing stations, andfeminine hygiene containers. With each of these various fixtures, themapping can overlap at least one fragrance zone with the location of atleast one of the fixtures in the environment.

Parameters of the environment can also include a traffic level of theenvironment. A size of the solid state fragrancing object, the number ofsolid state fragrancing objects, or the size and the number of solidstate fragrancing objects can be changed in proportion to the trafficlevel of the environment. In this manner, the size of the fragrancingzone and/or the amount of fragrancing component emitted in thefragrancing zone can be tailored to the traffic, where more traffic mayrequire the emission of more fragrancing component to provide aperceptible fragrancing zone. Lower traffic, conversely, may afford alower emission of the fragrancing component. Likewise, the parameterscan further include a cleaning frequency of the environment where one ofa size of the solid state fragrancing object is changed, the number ofsolid state fragrancing objects is changed, and the size of the solidstate fragrancing object and the number of solid state fragrancingobjects are changed in proportion to the cleaning frequency of theenvironment.

As described herein, the various fragrancing objects can be formed invarious colors and shapes and can be positioned in various waysthroughout an environment. In some aspects, the fragrancing object canbe conspicuous within the environment and in other aspects thefragrancing object can be inconspicuous in the environment. The generalvisibility and conspicuousness of the fragrancing object can be tailoredbased on a likelihood of vandalism. For example, where an environmenthas previously experienced vandalism or is believed to be a candidatefor vandalism, the fragrancing object can be configured in aninconspicuous fashion. The likelihood of theft or tampering can bereduced, for example, where the fragrancing object is designed to blendinto and match parts of fixtures or other features of the environment,or where the fragrancing object is placed out the general line of sightin the environment.

Certain environments can allow the use of a ladder to reach lightfixtures, vents, or portions of the environment unattainable otherwise.However, some environments may prohibit the use of a ladder or ladderuse is generally unfeasible or hazardous. If ladder use is permitted,certain fragrancing objects can be used in ladder-accessible locations,such as fragrancing objects configured to be affixed to ceiling lightfixtures, air vents, or generally placed out of reach from environmentoccupants.

In some embodiments, the parameters further include a fragranceselection that defines the fragrancing component of the solid statefragrancing object. Particular fragrances or combinations of fragrancescan therefore be selected. Mapping can accordingly place fragrance zonesin the environment that all have a single selected fragrance or variousfragrance zones can be associated with various fixtures, for example.The size fragrance zone and/or intensity of the fragrancing componentemitted by the fragrancing object can be tailored to a fragrance levelas part of the parameters of the environment. As such, the fragrancelevel can define one of a size of the solid state fragrancing object,the number of solid state fragrancing objects, and the size of the solidstate fragrancing object and the number of solid state fragrancingobjects. The number of fragrance zones can also be tailored, where onefragrance zone can substantially cover the size of the environment,including where the fragrance zone is configured to include the locationof a fixture in the environment. Or, multiple fragrance zones can bemapped to cover multiple fixtures within the environment where themultiple fragrance zones substantially cover the size of theenvironment.

The present methods can therefore include a method of fragrance controlfor an environment that comprises determining parameters of theenvironment, mapping a plurality of fragrance zones for the environmentbased on the parameters of the environment, and outputting a number anda location of the mapped fragrance zones. As described, the parameterscan include a size of the environment and a number of fixtures in theenvironment. The plurality of fragrance zones can be defined by aposition of a plurality of solid state fragrancing objects within theenvironment, where each solid state fragrancing object includes afragrancing component and each fragrance zone is configured to includeone or more fixtures.

With reference now to FIGS. 7-9, an example embodiment of a method offragrance control for an environment is illustrated. FIG. 7 shows aninterface for a parameter inquiry relating to a method of fragrancecontrol for an environment. FIG. 8 shows the interface of FIG. 7 withseveral of parameters selected. FIG. 9 shows the output of a number anda location of the mapped fragrance zones resulting from the parametersselected in FIG. 8.

The present technology provides several advantages and benefits. Abuilding manager or custodial service can use the fragrance controlmethods to identify the number and location of mapped fragrance zones.Accordingly, one or more solid state fragrancing objects can be deployedin the environment based on the number and the location of the mappedfragrance zones to thereby provide effective odor control and improvedpractice in odor management. The number and location of mapped fragrancezones can also be stored and retrieved for later modification, repeatordering, deployment, packaging, and/or shipping. The methods furtherallow the fragrance control of an environment to be optimized.

The solid state fragrancing objects can be easily deployed within anenvironment by using mounts or holders or by directly coupling theobjects to various fixtures or features within the environment. Thereare no aerosols or liquids used, minimizing environmental impact and anyspills or drips. For example, there is no possibility for leaky oilbased wick systems to spill and no aerosol fall out on floors creating asticky or slippery safety hazard. Likewise, there are no special storageor shipping requirements necessary with the present solid statefragrancing objects. The fragrancing objects can be mounted easily inhidden and out of the way locations to reduce theft and vandalism.Fragrance zones created by deploying a system for fragrance control canenhance the experience in the environment and reinforce a generalperception of cleanliness. The system can also be mounted in variouslocations to optimize odor control efficacy and can be customized forenvironments ranging from small spaces to large spaces. Likewise, thefragrancing component can be tailored to fragrance type and strengthpreferences; e.g., men's fragrances, women's fragrances, lavatoryenvironment, office environment, commercial or residential environment.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled inthe art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples ofspecific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not beemployed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many differentforms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of thedisclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes,well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are notdescribed in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations ofsome embodiments, materials, compositions and methods can be made withinthe scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of fragrance control for an environmentcomprising: determining at least one parameter of the environment, theat least one parameter including: a size of the environment; and anumber of fixtures in the environment; mapping at least one fragrancezone for the environment based on the at least one parameter of theenvironment, the at least one fragrance zone defined by a position of atleast one fragrancing object within the environment, each fragrancingobject including a fragrancing component, wherein the at least onefragrance zone is configured to include one or more fixtures; outputtinga number and a location of the mapped fragrance zones; and shipping oneor more fragrancing objects based on the number and the location of themapped fragrance zones.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprisingdeploying one or more fragrancing objects in the environment based onthe number and the location of the mapped fragrance zones.
 3. The methodof claim 1, further comprising packaging one or more fragrancing objectsbased on the number and the location of the mapped fragrance zones. 4.The method of claim 1, further comprising extruding one or morefragrancing objects based on the number and the location of the mappedfragrance zones.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprisingrequisitioning one or more fragrancing objects based on the number andthe location of the mapped fragrance zones.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the number of fixtures includes a number of commodes and themapping overlaps at least one fragrance zone with the location of atleast one commode in the environment.
 7. The method of claim 1, whereinthe at least one parameter further includes a traffic level of theenvironment and one of a size of the fragrancing object is changed, thenumber of fragrancing objects is changed, and the size of thefragrancing object and the number of fragrancing objects are changed inproportion to the traffic level of the environment.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one parameter further includes a cleaningfrequency of the environment and one of a size of the fragrancing objectis changed, the number of fragrancing objects is changed, and the sizeof the fragrancing object and the number of fragrancing objects arechanged in proportion to the cleaning frequency of the environment. 9.The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one parameter furtherincludes a number of urinals in the environment and the mapping overlapsat least one fragrance zone with the location of at least one urinal inthe environment.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least oneparameter further includes a number of hand dryers in the environmentand the mapping overlaps at least one fragrance zone with the locationof at least one hand dryer in the environment.
 11. The method of claim1, wherein the at least one parameter further includes a number of wastecontainers in the environment and the mapping overlaps at least onefragrance zone with the location of at least one waste container in theenvironment.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least oneparameter further includes a number of baby changing stations in theenvironment and the mapping overlaps at least one fragrance zone withthe location of at least one baby changing station in the environment.13. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one parameter furtherincludes a number of feminine hygiene containers in the environment andthe mapping overlaps at least one fragrance zone with the location of atleast one feminine hygiene container in the environment.
 14. The methodof claim 1, wherein the at least one parameter further includes alikelihood of vandalism in the environment and at least one fragrancingobject is configured in an inconspicuous fashion when there is alikelihood of vandalism.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the at leastone parameter further includes whether a ladder can be used in theenvironment and at least one fragrancing object is deployed in theenvironment in a ladder-accessible location when a ladder can be used inthe environment.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least oneparameter further includes a fragrance selection that defines thefragrancing component of the fragrancing object.
 17. The method of claim1, wherein the at least one parameter further includes a fragrance levelthat defines one of a size of the fragrancing object, the number offragrancing objects, and the size of the fragrancing object and thenumber of fragrancing objects.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the atleast one fragrance zone substantially covers the size of theenvironment.
 19. A method of fragrance control for an environmentcomprising: determining at least one parameter of the environment, theat least one parameter including: a size of the environment; and anumber of fixtures in the environment; mapping at least one fragrancezone for the environment based on the at least one parameter of theenvironment, the at least one fragrance zone defined by a position of atleast one fragrancing object within the environment, each fragrancingobject including a fragrancing component, wherein the at least onefragrance zone is configured to include one or more fixtures; outputtinga number and a location of the mapped fragrance zones; and packaging oneor more fragrancing objects based on the number and the location of themapped fragrance zones.
 20. A method of fragrance control for anenvironment comprising: determining a plurality of parameters of theenvironment, the parameters including: a size of the environment; and anumber of fixtures in the environment; mapping a plurality of fragrancezones for the environment based on the parameters of the environment,the plurality of fragrance zones defined by a position of a plurality offragrancing objects within the environment, each fragrancing objectincluding a fragrancing component, wherein each fragrance zone isconfigured to include one or more fixtures; outputting a number and alocation of the mapped fragrance zones; and deploying one or morefragrancing objects in the environment based on the number and thelocation of the mapped fragrance zones.